Ginger Simple Syrup

Here’s how to make ginger simple syrup! This easy DIY syrup adds a spicy sweet finish to all your cocktails and mocktails.

Ready for the tastiest ingredient to add a spicy zing all your drinks? Ginger Simple Syrup. This easy DIY cocktail syrup is just what you need to take your mixed drinks to the next level. You’ll be surprised at how much flavor comes from just a small amount of the stuff. Drizzle it in and it adds a gingery finish to cocktails: and it’s even better for adding intrigue to mocktails! Here’s how to make ginger simple syrup, and a few recipe ideas for using it.

Ingredients for ginger simple syrup

There are only three ingredients you need for ginger simple syrup: and it tastes much greater than the sum of its parts! Here’s what you’ll need:

• Sugar
• Water
• Fresh ginger root

Want more ginger recipes? Go to Top Fresh Ginger Recipes.

What sugar to use for simple syrup?

You can use a few types of sugar when making this ginger simple syrup. We typically prefer granulated sugar for a simple syrup, but you can get away with other types here. Here’s why:

• Granulated sugar is the most processed type of sugar, but when it comes to sugars: they are all full of sugar and calories! White sugar makes a clear-colored syrup, so it’s what we prefer for syrups.
• Organic cane sugar or coconut sugar also work. Since they are browner in color than white sugar, they turns the syrup a yellow brown color. This isn’t an issue with flavor: and for ginger simple syrup, the ginger also turns the syrup brown! So it shouldn’t make a difference.
• Brown sugar isn’t usually used for simple syrup because it comes out very dark and has a subtle molasses flavor. You could certainly use it here, but it’s got a darker, heavier flavor.

How to make ginger simple syrup…a unique method!

The hands-on part of making ginger simple syrup is quick and easy. The method here is a little different than most: it’s different from all our other simple syrup recipes. Why? Ginger doesn’t infuse as well as herbs like rosemary, mint or lavender. When we tried ginger simple syrup using the standard method, the cocktails barely tasted like ginger at all. To get the most flavorful, spicy ginger syrup, you’ll actually use a special tool: your blender! Here’s the basic procedure (or jump to the recipe below):

• Wash and slice the ginger root. No need to peel it! That makes this recipe quick and easy.
• Add the ginger to a blender with sugar and boiling water. We like to boil water using a teapot, which makes it quick and easy.
• Blend, then strain! Blend it for several minutes until smooth, then strain through a fine mesh strainer. This gets the spiciest ginger syrup you can imagine when you give it a taste. But don’t worry: when you add it to drinks, you’ll get just the right ginger flavor.

Storage instructions

One more thing to note about this special ginger simple syrup! It keeps for about 1 month refrigerated. Because the ginger is blended in instead of infused, make sure to do this: Stir before using it! The ground ginger settles to the bottom when you store it. All you have to do is stir it up — or shake the jar — before you mix up a drink.

Drinks to make with ginger simple syrup

This ginger simple syrup tastes like biting into fresh ginger root: except way better, because it’s sweet and balanced! (Trust us: raw ginger is incredibly spicy.) It adds a great nuance to cocktails and mocktails of all kinds. Here are some ideas:

1. Ginger Spritzer (mocktail)

Pour sparkling lemonade or soda water into a glass and stir in ginger syrup to taste. Spritz with a lemon wedge if you’d like. Easy peasy!

2. Ginger Martini

• 2 ounces vodka
• 1 ounce ginger simple syrup
• 1 ounce lemon juice
• ½ ounce dry vermouth

Add the vodka, ginger simple syrup, lemon juice, and dry vermouth to a cocktail shaker and fill it with ice. Shake vigorously until cold. Strain into cocktail glass. Garnish with a lemon slice or crystalized ginger, if desired. (Go to Ginger Martini for more.)

3. Ginger Mojito

• 3 mint leaves
• 1 ounce lime juice
• ½ ounce ginger simple syrup
• 2 ounces white rum
• 4 ounces soda water

Add ingredients to a cocktail shaker. Fill with ice and shake until cold, then strain into an ice-filled glass. (See Mojito for more.)

4. Ginger Collins

• 2 ounces gin
• 1 ounce lemon juice
• ¾ to 1 ounce ginger simple syrup
• ½ cup soda water
• Ice (try our clear ice!)

Add the ingredients to a cocktail shaker with 4 ice cubes. Shake well until chilled. Strain into an ice filled glass, and top off the glass with soda water. Garnish with a lemon wheel and cocktail cherry. (See Tom Collins for more.)

5. Shortcut Penicillin

• 2 ounces blended Scotch
• 1 ounce fresh lemon juice
• ¾ ounce ginger simple syrup
• ½ ounce single malt Scotch

Add ingredients to a cocktail shaker. Fill with ice and shake until cold. Strain the drink into a lowball glass with one large ice cube. Carefully pour the single malt scotch over the back of a spoon just above the surface of the drink, creating a layer on top. (See Penicillin Cocktail for more.)

6. Ginger Whiskey Sour

• 2 ounces bourbon whiskey
• 1 ounce lemon juice
• ¾ ounce ginger simple syrup

Add all ingredients to a cocktail shaker. Fill with a handful of ice and shake until very cold. Strain the drink into a glass. Serve with ice and a cocktail cherry. (See Classic Whiskey Sour for more.)

More simple syrup recipes

You can make craft cocktails and mocktails with all sorts of simple syrup recipes! Here are some more ideas:

• Mint Simple Syrup Great for mojitos, gimlets, and the classic Southside.
• Lavender simple syrup This delicate syrup is great in a Tom Collins or a bubbly French 75.
• Rosemary simple syrup This pine-scented syrup works with bourbon and in a Greyhound.

This ginger simple syrup recipe is…

Vegetarian, vegan, plant-based, dairy-free, and gluten-free

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